Access Bank MD Calls for Stronger Collaboration to Boost Intra-African Trade
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Roosevelt Ogbonna, has called for stronger collaboration among policymakers, financiers and business leaders to accelerate trade across Africa and unlock the continent’s vast economic potential.
Ogbonna made the call during the Access Bank Africa Trade Conference 2026 held in South Africa, where he urged stakeholders to deepen partnerships and remove structural barriers that continue to limit intra-continental commerce.
In a statement distributed by APO Group on behalf of the bank and made available to TVC News on Monday, the Access Bank MD stressed that Africa must take deliberate steps to improve trade within the continent despite the enormous market opportunities it possesses.
Delivering his opening remarks at the conference, Ogbonna explained that the gathering was designed to continue discussions initiated during the inaugural edition of the event in 2025. According to him, the forum serves as a platform for governments, financial institutions and private sector leaders to explore practical solutions for expanding trade within Africa while strengthening the continent’s participation in global markets.
He noted that although Africa is home to more than a billion people and abundant natural resources, trade between African countries remains relatively low compared to other regions of the world. Ogbonna attributed this challenge to several structural constraints, including inadequate infrastructure, regulatory bottlenecks, limited access to trade finance and fragmented markets.
The Access Bank chief emphasized that addressing these issues would require coordinated action from governments, financial institutions and businesses working together to create an enabling environment for commerce and investment.
He also highlighted the importance of initiatives aimed at strengthening regional integration and improving cross-border trade, noting that deeper economic cooperation could significantly boost industrial growth, create jobs and stimulate sustainable development across the continent.
The Access Bank Africa Trade Conference brings together policymakers, investors, development partners and business leaders to examine opportunities and challenges within Africa’s trade ecosystem and to identify strategies for expanding economic collaboration across the region.
Blessing Anolaba
Editorial & Creative Correspondent
A storyteller and journalist passionate about telling stories for policy change and impact.
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